Located in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, Custer State Park is a leafy gem spanning more than 71,000 acres of pine forest, rolling prairie, granite spires, sparkling lakes, and wildlife-rich grasslands. As one of the state’s Great Eight Destinations, it pairs perfectly with nearby Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park while offering a chance to slow down and spend time outdoors. From wildlife encounters and sparkling lakes to scenic drives and hidden caves, here’s how to make the most of a visit to Custer State Park.
Getting to Custer State Park
Custer State Park is located in western South Dakota’s Black Hills region. Most visitors fly into Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), roughly an hour away by car. From Mount Rushmore, the park is an easy and scenic 30-minute drive south. Having a car is essential for exploring the park, as many of its highlights, from trailheads to scenic drives, are spread across a wide area.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
Custer State Park is home to one of the largest publicly owned bison herds in the world, with approximately 1,300 animals roaming freely across the park. Beyond bison, the park supports an impressive range of wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, white-tailed and mule deer, prairie dogs, coyotes, and the park’s famously friendly wild burros.
Birdwatchers will also find plenty of opportunities, particularly near lakes and open grasslands, where hawks, eagles, meadowlarks, and waterfowl are frequently spotted soaring overhead or perched on granite cliffs and treetops. The Black Elk Peak Loop Trail, Prairie Trail, and Lovers’ Leap Trail are favorites among birdwatchers.
Paddle or Swim at Sylvan Lake and Legion Lake
Sylvan Lake is often described as the crown jewel of Custer State Park, and once you see it, the nickname makes sense. Surrounded by granite spires and ponderosa pines, the lake feels more alpine than prairie, with calm waters and scenery that invite you to jump in or sunbathe on its sandy shores.
Nearby Legion Lake offers a relaxed atmosphere, with wide grassy shorelines, shaded picnic areas, and modern amenities that make it popular with families.
During warmer months, both lakes are ideal for water activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and lakeside picnicking. Designated swimming areas, restrooms, and picnic tables make it easy to settle in for a few hours.
Fishing at Custer State Park
Fishing is another popular activity at both lakes. Sylvan Lake is known for trout, while Legion Lake is stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout. A valid South Dakota fishing license is required to fish within the park.
Annual Buffalo Roundup & Art Festival
Each fall, Custer State Park hosts one of its most iconic and unforgettable events: the Annual Buffalo Roundup & Art Festival. Cowboys and cowgirls on horseback guide the massive bison herd across the prairie and into corrals, creating a scene that draws visitors from around the country. After the roundup, the buffalo are tested, branded, and sorted to maintain a healthy and sustainable herd.
Visitors are encouraged to bring folding chairs, cameras, binoculars, layered clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen. Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase, and the accompanying art festival features vendors selling arts and crafts, many made by South Dakota artisans. It’s an event that blends culture, conservation, and Western tradition in a way few places can.
Rock Climbing at Custer State Park
For climbers, Custer is a granite playground. The park’s iconic Needles formations offer world-class rock climbing, with hundreds of established routes ranging from approachable beginner climbs to technical challenges. Guided climbs are available for those new to the area or looking to explore safely with local expertise. Even if you’re not climbing, watching climbers scale the spires from nearby trails and pullouts is part of the experience.
Scenic Drives Through the Park
Custer State Park’s scenic drives are destinations in their own right and one of the best ways to experience the park’s scale and diversity.
The Wildlife Loop Road is an 18-mile drive that winds through open grasslands and rolling hills, offering some of the park’s best wildlife viewing. Bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs, and wild burros are common sights, and it’s not unusual for traffic to slow or stop entirely while animals cross the road.
The Needles Highway is a 14-mile drive and is one of the most iconic routes in the Black Hills. Narrow tunnels, tight curves, and towering granite spires make it especially striking in the early morning or late afternoon light. Take your time, pull over often, and enjoy the views. This is not a road meant to be rushed, but one to be savored.
Hiking, Biking, and Horse Trails in Custer State Park
With well-maintained trails, Custer State Park offers hiking, biking, and equestrian options for a wide range of abilities. Popular hiking trails include the Cathedral Spires Trail for dramatic granite formations, the Sunday Gulch Trail for rock scrambling and creek crossings, and the Black Elk Peak Trail to reach the highest point in the Black Hills for panoramic views. The Sylvan Lake Shore Trail and Lovers’ Leap Trail are also popular for easier access to beauty, with common wildlife sightings.
These hiking trails may also be used for mountain biking: Badger Clark Trail, Barnes Canyon Trail, Bison Trails, Cairn Trail, Creekside Trail, Grace Coolidge Trail, and the Prairie Trail. You can bring your own wheels or rent them nearby.
There are three horse trail trailheads within the park: Fisherman Flats Trailhead, Badger Hole Trailhead, and Horse Camp Trailhead. It’s possible to bring your own horse or join a group horseback ride led by a professional, experienced wrangler for a western-style adventure.
Exploring Nearby Caves
Custer State Park borders two remarkable cave systems that offer a completely different way to experience the Black Hills. Jewel Cave National Monument is one of the longest cave systems in the world, known for its intricate crystal formations, while Wind Cave National Park is famous for its rare boxwork structures found in few places on Earth. Both parks offer guided tours ranging from easy walks to more adventurous underground experiences. Visiting the caves is a memorable complement to time spent above ground and a great option on hot or rainy days.
Tips for Visiting Custer State Park
- Park entrance pass: A park entrance license is required and can be purchased at park entrances or online before you arrive.
- Pack for changing weather: Bring layers, sun protection, plenty of water, and comfortable walking shoes for hiking and exploring. Check out our complete hiking checklist.
- Respect wildlife: Always give animals plenty of space, especially bison, which are large, fast, and unpredictable.
- Dog-friendly trails: Custer State Park welcomes dogs, though pets must be kept on a leash. There are also several nearby dog-friendly trails and attractions around Mount Rushmore.
Where to Stay Near Custer State Park
After days spent hiking, paddling, wildlife watching, and driving scenic roads, return to safari-inspired tents, cozy king-size beds, and evenings around the campfire under star-filled skies for the perfect balance of comfort and nature. Under Canvas Mount Rushmore offers upscale glamping among ponderosa pines and juniper on an original gold mining settlement less than four miles from Mount Rushmore National Monument. With sweeping views of the monument and the surrounding Black Hills, it’s a perfect basecamp for exploring Custer State Park and the region beyond.